My Top 10 Tips for Couples to Capture the Perfect Wedding Day on Film

As a wedding videographer, I’ve seen firsthand what helps couples look and feel their best on their big day. Your wedding video is a lasting keepsake, capturing every laugh, every tear, and every unforgettable moment. Here are my top 10 tips to help make sure you get a wedding video you’ll want to watch over and over again.

1. Communicate Your Vision in Advance

Start by talking with your videographer about the style you envision. Do you love the look of cinematic films with dramatic music? Or are you more into a documentary style that captures candid, unplanned moments? Communicate what matters most to you so your videographer can keep your vision in mind on the day.

2. Prepare a Timeline and Share It

The flow of the day is essential for getting great footage. Share a timeline of your wedding day with your videographer, highlighting any special events (like a first look or family traditions) you’d love to capture. This lets your videographer be in the right place at the right time, ready to film every special moment.

3. Get Ready in Well-Lit, Spacious Rooms

Lighting can make a huge difference in how your video looks. Choose a space with lots of natural light for getting ready, and try to keep clutter to a minimum. These small changes create a calm, beautiful backdrop, so the focus stays on you and your emotions.

4. Have a ‘First Look’ to Capture Intimate Moments

The “first look” is a private moment for just the two of you, often before the ceremony, when you see each other in your wedding attire for the first time. This can be incredibly emotional and heartfelt, making it perfect for your video. A first look also gives you both a chance to enjoy an intimate moment before the day’s busyness sets in.

5. Move Slowly and Take Your Time

When you walk down the aisle, exchange rings, or have your first dance, take it slow. Gentle, deliberate movements give your videographer more time to capture each moment beautifully. Slow movements are also easier to film and create a sense of elegance on camera.

Chloe & Adam

6. Include Personal Vows or Letters for Extra Meaning

If you’re open to it, write and read personal vows or exchange letters on the day of your wedding. Personal words add a unique layer to your film and help tell the story of your relationship. These are the moments you’ll cherish, and they give your videographer something special to weave into the narrative.

7. Set Aside Time for “Golden Hour” Footage

The golden hour—right before sunset—creates the most flattering natural lighting for photos and video. If possible, schedule 15–30 minutes for a few outdoor shots during this time. The warm, soft light will give your video a magical, romantic feel, capturing you both at your best.

8. Forget the Camera and Enjoy Each Moment

It’s natural to feel aware of the camera at first, but the best wedding videos come from authentic, unplanned moments. Try to let go of any self-consciousness and focus on each other and the joy of the day. Let yourself laugh, cry, and be fully in the moment, and trust that your videographer will capture it beautifully.

9. Plan an Unplugged Ceremony

One of the biggest disruptions to wedding videography is guests taking photos and videos on their phones. Consider having an “unplugged” ceremony, where guests are asked to keep devices put away. This allows your videographer to capture clean, uninterrupted footage of your ceremony, with your guests’ full attention on you.

10. Remember to Have Fun!

Finally, remember that this is your day! Dance, laugh, cry, and let yourself feel every emotion that comes your way. Your genuine reactions and interactions are what will make your wedding video truly unique and memorable. When you’re having fun, that energy will shine through on film and make your video a true reflection of your love story.

In Closing

Your wedding video is more than just footage—it’s a story, a memory, a little time capsule of one of the best days of your life. By planning a few of these simple details, you can make sure that story is told beautifully. Whether you’re preparing for a grand celebration or an intimate ceremony, following these tips will help you and your videographer capture a wedding day to remember.